This same Peter...

Luke 5:1-11 King James Version (KJV) 5 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

This same Peter...

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

Peter was a man with flashes of brilliant insight mixed with periods when he “just didn't get it”, yet, through it all he was and continues to be used by Jesus in mighty ways to spread the gospel. Peter's words told many stories. Peter's words acknowledged at his first meeting his recognition that there was something special about this man, Jesus. His words also conveyed his understanding of his own sinful nature. This same Peter, when asked in Matthew 16:15-16 “But whom say ye that I am?” was led by divine knowledge to respond, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Yet, it is this same Peter whom Jesus rebukes when he is not able to grasp the divine mission of sacrifice which Jesus willingly faced. (Matthew 16:23 (KJV) 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Peter walked on water with Our Lord, though, in a moment of doubt he began to sink. Yet this same Peter was volatile: John 18:10 (KJV) 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Peter was afraid. He denied the Lord not once but three times out of fear for his own life (Matthew 26:31-36, 69-74 ; Mark 14:27-31, 66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:1-11). Yet, this same Peter, on the day of Pentecost, the fiftieth day, spoke with strength and conviction of the promises of the prophets which Jesus had fulfilled and opened the eyes and hearts of more than 3,000 (Acts 2). Peter is mentioned 154 times in the KJV of the bible. His life is inspiration to us because of the nature of his devotion as a servant of Jesus Christ. His life a beacon of hope to us because of our recognition that even this same Peter had his failings and had to depend on the same grace and mercy which enriches our lives. May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!